[Paddlewise] Optimistic Paddlefloat Owners

Paddlewisers,

After hosting my annual rescue practice for several of the local kayaking
clubs today, I am convinced that paddlefloat owners are too optimistic.
Somehow, many of them seem to think if they carry a paddlefloat, they will
be able to get back in their kayak with it even though they don't practice.
I say this because I was alarmed today by seeing more than a few sea
kayakers with years of tripping experience barely able to get back in their
kayaks using a paddlefloat in calm water. Of course, once they were given
some tips and did some drills today, they did OK. I would bet that nine out
of ten sea kayakers who go on trips would die if their lives depended on
them getting back into a kayak with a paddlefloat in conditions rough enough
to tip them over. All I can say is practice, practice, practice!

Duane Strosaker
www.rollordrown.com


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